Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To expose someone's true face/identity: To reveal someone's hidden, often negative, true nature, intentions, or actions, especially when they have been deceptive or hypocritical.
   • To unmask / to denounce: To publicly point out and identify someone's wrongdoing, shameful behavior, or secret misdeeds.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Báo chí đã vạch mặt kẻ lừa đảo. (The press exposed the scammer.)
  • Cô ấy bị vạch mặt là người đã tung tin đồn. (She was unmasked as the person who spread the rumors.)
  • Họ quyết tâm vạch mặt những kẻ tham nhũng. (They are determined to denounce the corrupt individuals.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a public or confrontational revelation that causes shame or loss of face for the person exposed. It carries a strong connotation of bringing hidden guilt or deception into the open.

Variants and Related Words

• Lột mặt nạ (verb phrase): Literally "to tear off the mask"; a very close synonym meaning to unmask or expose someone's deception.
  • Bài điều tra lột mặt nạ của công ty. (The investigative report unmasked the company.)

Synonyms

• Unmask: To reveal the true nature of someone, especially when concealed.
• Expose: To make something hidden known publicly.
• Denounce: To publicly declare something or someone to be wrong or evil.

Related Idioms

• Vạch mặt chỉ tên: To expose and name names; to specifically identify the culprits.
  • Phóng viên dũng cảm vạch mặt chỉ tên những quan chức. (The courageous reporter exposed and named the officials.)